Reagents and methods for detecting influenza virus proteins

Abstract

Two universally conserved sequences from influenza type A neuraminidases were identified by large scale sequence analysis then chemically modified and conjugated to carrier proteins to generate mono-specific and monoclonal antibodies. The two antibodies, one targeting the N-terminus of the type A neuraminidase and the other sequence close to enzymatic active site, were capable of binding to all 9 subtypes of neuraminidase while demonstrating remarkable specificity against the viral neuraminidase sequences since no cross-reactivity against allantoic proteins was observed. Quantitative analyses of NA using slot blot suggest that the antibodies can be used for NA antigen quantitation in vaccines. These represent the first time the antibody-based immunoassay can be used for NA quantitative determination.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of inducing an immune response against influenza virus neuraminidase in an individual comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of a composition comprising an influenza neuraminidase peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 attached to a first end of a spacer, and a carrier protein attached to a second end of the spacer. 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the spacer is selected from the group consisting of amino acids, peptides, phosphoramidite, ε-aminohexanoic acid and 6-aminocaproic acid. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the carrier protein is selected from the group consisting of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), bovine serum albumin (BSA), rabbit serum albumin (RSA), ovalbumin (OVA), thyroglobulin (THY) and human gamma globulin (HGG). 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the spacer is 6-aminocaproic acid. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the spacer is attached to the carrier protein by a linker. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the linker is selected from the group consisting of an amino acid, a peptide of 2-10 amino acids and KKC. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the linker is KKC and the spacer is 6-aminocaproic acid. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises isolating and purifying antibodies against the influenza neuraminidase peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 from the individual.